Law Updates
The United Arab Emirates has enacted the most consequential reform of its civil law in four decades. Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 promulgating the new Civil Transactions Law came into force on 1 June 2026, repealing the 1985 Civil Code in its entirety. This is not a set of targeted amendments: the Code has […]
Asha Treesa Bejoy · 12 Jun 2026 · 13 minRead →
Law Updates
Federal Decree Law No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in the UAE defines narcotic substances. This article attempts to clarify the original penalties for all crimes related to narcotic substances or psychotropic substances, in accordance with Federal Law No. 30 of 2021 AD. The Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and […]
Reda Farahat Karawan · 10 Jun 2024 · 37 minRead →
Arbitration
A look at the fate of existing DIFC-LCIA arbitration clauses after Dubai’s Decree 34 of 2021 dissolved the DIFC-LCIA and transferred its functions to the DIAC (Dubai International Arbitration Centre). In a recent development in the sphere of international dispute resolution, a United States court has refused to enforce a Dubai International Financial Centre-London Court […]
Jerome Jose · 17 Feb 2024 · 6 minRead →
Arbitration
A comprehensive, step-by-step approach to navigating the arbitral enforcement process in the UAE. The law makes a clear distinction between domestic and international arbitrations, significantly influencing the procedures associated with the enforceability of arbitral awards for domestic arbitrations and for international arbitrations. Introduction Arbitration in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a widely favoured method […]
Sudha Sampath · 2 Feb 2024 · 10 minRead →
Arbitration
Understanding the available avenues for appeal and the specific procedures to be followed is crucial to address issues that may arise during the ratification process. Challenges to ratification may arise based on various grounds, including procedural irregularities, lack of a valid arbitration agreement, or violations of public policy. Introduction In the dynamic landscape of […]
Sudha Sampath · 1 Feb 2024 · 8 minRead →
Law Updates
UAE’s recent enactment of a federal decree-law signifies a pivotal step towards regulating and nurturing a vibrant media landscape. The comprehensive legislation extends ownership opportunities to both individuals and legal entities The UAE Media Council will oversee various aspects including the classification of creative productions and issuance of permits The decree outlines a 12-month adjustment […]
Reshma Rose Jacob · 9 Jan 2024 · 4 minRead →
Law Updates
Judicial fees in Ras Al Khaima courts are substantially reduced for various legal proceedings, including civil and commercial lawsuits, rental disputes, and executive cases. Fee reductions for appeals made before the Courts of Appeal and Cassation. Jointly intervening litigants can engage in the legal process without incurring additional charges for their motions. On November 16, […]
Aparna T Nambissan · 26 Dec 2023 · 3 minRead →
ADGM
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has unveiled the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD), a new international arbitration centre situated in Abu Dhabi. Starting February 1, 2024, the new governance framework and arbitration regulations will supersede those of the Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration Centre (ADCCAC). This significant development marks a […]
Reshma Rose Jacob · 22 Dec 2023 · 6 minRead →
Law Updates
Medical Termination of Pregnancy is allowed when: aborting the fetus is the only option available to save the life of the pregnant woman. the fetus is malformed, with high chance of stillbirth or deficiencies in the child’s health, development and quality of life. Private health facilities must refrain from abortion operations unless they hold specific […]
Jerome Jose · 21 Dec 2023 · 7 minRead →
Compliance in the UAE
Federal Decree-Law No. (32) of 2023 on Finance Lease comes into effect on 29 March 2024 Bilateral and tripartite leasing includes sale-leaseback arrangements Registration of a finance lease agreement is no more mandatory; but needed to ensure enforceability with third parties In a tripartite lease arrangement, the risk of loss concerning the leased asset is […]
Amy Denny · 17 Dec 2023 · 6 minRead →